By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public institutions and restoring sanity in land administration by reclaiming all government-owned lands allocated to schools, hospitals and other public establishments across the state.
The declaration was made by the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, during an inspection visit to the Government Girls Secondary School Goron Dutse (former Women Teachers Collage WTC) Kano, following reports of massive encroachment on the institution’s land.
KNSG Reaffirms Commitment to Restoring Sanity in Land Administration
The Commissioner disclosed that the visit was undertaken on the directive of the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, after reports emerged that some individuals had illegally entered the school premises and commenced the demarcation of plots for private residential development.
According to him, the Governor immediately directed the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to halt all activities on the site and investigate the circumstances under which the alleged claimants acquired the plots.
Hon. Abduljabbar revealed that preliminary findings showed that nearly 100 plots had already been carved out within the premises of the College with the intention of converting them into private residential houses.
He described the development as a serious threat to the state’s education sector, stressing that government would not tolerate any attempt to illegally appropriate public property meant for educational purposes.
The Commissioner warned that any individual or developer who ignores government directives would face appropriate legal sanctions, noting that the ministry would ensure strict enforcement of all relevant laws to serve as a deterrent to others.
He further announced that, effective August 3, 2026, all lands belonging to schools, hospitals and other government institutions across Kano State have officially reverted to the control and management of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning on behalf of the Kano State Government.
The Commissioner stated that the government has consequently placed a total ban on the subdivision, allocation or conversion of lands belonging to schools, hospitals and other state-owned properties anywhere in Kano State.
He called on residents across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas to support the government’s efforts by promptly reporting any cases of illegal encroachment, land grabbing or unauthorized development through appropriate government and media channels.
Speaking during the inspection, the Principal of the College, Uwani Ahmad Balarabe, expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Commissioner for their swift intervention.
The Principal described the encroachment as painful and unprecedented, recalling that during her more than three decades of service at the college, the institution had always enjoyed a peaceful and conducive learning environment.
She lamented that illegal encroachment had gradually consumed a significant portion of the school’s land, thereby threatening its future development.
Uwana Ahmad Balarabe expressed confidence that the Governor and his administration would take all necessary measures to restore the college’s original land and preserve its educational heritage for future generations.
The Commissioner was also together during the visit with the Chairman Special Task Force on All Illegal Structures and also the DG KANGIS Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani and other Task force members.
